Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) announced Tuesday they are cosponsoring the Dream Act of 2017. 
"The Dream Act offers a promising solution amid a time of uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants around the country-especially in light of the President's decision today to rescind DACA," Bennet said. "While comprehensive immigration reform should remain a long-term solution, we also need a more immediate fix to protect Dreamers. I have long supported legislation that makes clear what we already know: supporting Dreamers boosts our economy, strengthens our national security, and aligns with our values. Congress must move quickly to pass this legislation."
"Children who came to this country without documentation, through no fault of their own, must have the opportunity to remain here lawfully," Gardner said. "I'm proud to join with Senator Bennet and cosponsor the Dream Act to provide certainty to the thousands of law-abiding Coloradan Dreamers and demonstrate bipartisan leadership on this important issue. I have long called for an overhaul of our country's immigration system and believe this is an important step. I will continue to work with Senator Bennet and our colleagues in the Senate to move this bill forward into law."
The Dream Act of 2017 would allow a select group of young immigrants, known as Dreamers, to contribute more fully to the only country they know as home and offer a pathway to earned citizenship. The legislation would grant conditional permanent residence followed by lawful permanent residence to young people who arrive in the United States before they turn 18; graduate from high school or obtained a GED; pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least 3 years, or serve in the military; pass security checks; and demonstrate proficiency in English and a knowledge of U.S. history.
Ultimately, allowing Dreamers to continue receiving education and contributing hundreds of billions of dollars to the national GDP is beneficial to the United States' society, economy, and national security. This legislation would allow a generation of young immigrants to reach their full potential.
Bennet also cosponsored the DREAM Act of 2010 and was a member of the bipartisan Gang of Eight that drafted the 2013 comprehensive immigration reform bill, which passed the Senate but was not considered by the House.